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Nederlands
zoals — meaning in English: such as
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such as
zeker
zin
zonnig
zoals
verhouding
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Dutch speakers commonly use 'zoals' in everyday conversations to provide examples or clarify points. For instance, you might hear it in a discussion about favorite foods, such as 'Ik hou van fruit, zoals appels en bananen,' meaning 'I love fruit, such as apples and bananas.' It's also frequently used in written contexts, such as articles or essays, to illustrate a point with examples.
Synonyms & nuances
'Zoals' translates to 'such as' but can also be compared with 'bijvoorbeeld,' which means 'for example.' While 'zoals' emphasizes similarity or categorization, 'bijvoorbeeld' is more about introducing a specific case. You might choose 'zoals' when you want to highlight that something belongs to a broader category.
Culture
'Zoals' has its roots in Old Dutch, where it began to be used as a way to introduce examples. In Dutch culture, providing detailed examples is important for clear communication, making 'zoals' a staple in both casual and formal discourse. Interestingly, the word often appears in proverbs and sayings, reinforcing the value placed on examples in expressing ideas.
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